Coming soon: many drugs in one pill
A pill that contains several different heart medications is being investigated as a way to help people take the medicines they need.
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Ask the doctors: Why do I need to take blood thinners after a valve replacement?
After receiving a bioprosthetic heart valve, using warfarin for three to six months can lower the risk of a blood clot without increasing the risk of unwanted bleeding.
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Do CT scans cause cancer?
CT scanning has many health benefits but also carries a small risk of causing cancer over a lifetime of exposure. The risks for older adults are very small. At any age, it is still wise to limit CT scans to what you need.
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Generics as safe as brand-name drugs
Problems in manufacturing occasionally occur with both generic and brand-name drugs. FDA protocols enable problems to be caught quickly and remedied immediately.
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In the journals: Taking more steps could reduce women’s heart risks after menopause
Walking at least 6,000 steps a day can help reduce a woman’s risk for heart disease and diabetes, even if she’s already gone through menopause.
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Don’t ignore “mild” strokes
Strokes that produce only mild symptoms still damage brain cells. The accumulated damage from several mild strokes may be harmful and irreversible. Anyone who experiences the symptoms of stroke, no matter how mild, should call 911.
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Ask the doctor: Will probiotics help IBS?
Probiotics may help ease the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. But they shouldn’t be used by individuals with compromised immune systems.
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In the journals: Regular exercise extends life
Obtaining the generally recommended amount of daily physical activity-150 minutes a day-extends lifespan by up to five years. Men who were moderately active at age 20 could expect to gain 2.4 years over a lifetime.
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Researchers explore psoriasis-diabetes link
People with the chronic irritated, flaky skin condition called psoriasis may also be at risk for type 2 diabetes. The same cells that trigger the inflammation of psoriasis are also associated with insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.
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News briefs: Inflammation and depression link may lead to treatment
Research shows that inflammation, marked by elevated blood levels of C-reactive protein, is linked to risk for depression. This raises the question of whether adding anti-inflammatory drugs to antidepressants will improve depression treatment.
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